Mysterious Stranger [Paperback]

The book offers a lot of good detail into magic's background, giving short stories and biographies of magic's greats-- he dedicates an entire chapter to Houdini. He also talks about Robert-Houdin, Malini, Herrmann, etc. One can certainly learn a lot of little known facts about Blaine's favorite performers; after giving good insight into how they lived their lives and performed, Blaine discusses how each magician influenced him to pursue magic more seriously.

Several personal secrets of Blaine's are discussed throughout these pages as well. He talks of his childhood with his loving mother and how his interest in acting and performing arts took him where he is today. He reveals a very moralistic, human side to himself (how much of it is actually true, don't know!) that the public may not be accustomed to. I totally appreciated how he talked of emotional issues during his three major endurance tests. This book will encourage people to see him more than just a magician, but also as a genuine human being also.

A few simple card magic prinicples are also taught in one chapter of the book. It's not exactly breakthrough material, and although it didn't impress me much, I was happy to see Blaine giving accurate detail to the general public. There are interactive effects for the reader throughout the book, I'll admit, I'll probably have fun with the telephone one he teaches, as it apparently won him the ABC-TV deal for his debut Street Magic special.

The book also educates about other topics as well. Blaine provides accounts for the some of the world's most famous 'freaks' and scam artists. Some of the work is very reminiscent of Ricky Jay's obsession with such material, a la Hay's Journal of Anomalies. Blaine also talks of certain religious ceremonies and inspirations for his creative stunts.

The book is very well decorated with numerous color photos on glossy paper. It's a high quality publication, and some of the images are very intriguing. I was never much of a Blaine fan prior to this work, however I give him more credit and respect for putting out such an educational and entertaining source for reading. I highly recommend it to any magic historian or David Blaine fan. It's a good magic book.

On a scale 1-5, I'd give it a solid 4, losing one point for not making the clues, which are hidden in the text and pictures, for a $100,000 reward (open to UK residents too) a bit easier to de-code.

In his book, David covers the history of magic including among others the feats of his inspiration Houdini.Tricks and stories from the past are explained so well the reader can place themselves in the audience.

Stories and incidences from Davids personal life are told in this book, from his own childhood and his early experiences of magic and trickery, to the creation of his "Street Magic" show which I found compelling to read.

David also speaks touchingly of his relationship with his much loved mother, who without a doubt was and still is his most positive and nurturing influence in his life.

For the curious there are card tricks and techniques for you to try out which are explained so simply and easily that my four year old is having fun with them.

The book wouldn't be complete without covering David Blaines feats of endurance. His thoughts and feelings during "Buried Alive", "Vertigo" and "Frozen in Time" are all told giving the reader amazing insight into the illusionists experiences for each feat, as well as explaining the "how's" and "why's" behind them.

The beauty of this book is that it is written as if you are having a conversation with the man himself.
The stories and anecdotes are written with humour that will bring a smile to your face, and to read about the influences and experiences that made the four year old from Brooklyn who saw his first magic trick into the most talked about illusionist brings the reader a little closer to the mysterious stranger himself.